PORTUGAL: Lisbon residents struggle to get to work as metro goes on a partial strike in protest against austerity

Record ID: 340898

  • Title: PORTUGAL: Lisbon residents struggle to get to work as metro goes on a partial strike in protest against austerity
  • Date: 5th October 2012
  • Summary: LISBON, PORTUGAL (OCTOBER 4, 2012) (REUTERS) "CAIS DO SODRE" METRO STATION CLOSED SIGN READING "METRO" PEOPLE WALKING PAST CLOSED STATION SIGN READING " METRO CLOSED DUE TO STRIKE" PEOPLE WALKING PAST CLOSED STATION (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) COMMUTER, MANUEL CAEIRO, SAYING: "In some way, I agree with the strike because workers have their reasons, but it should not affec
  • Embargoed: 20th October 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Portugal
  • Country: Portugal
  • Topics: Economy,Transport
  • Reuters ID: LVA48QCF8PCR70O5O0CIJ6I8O0E9
  • Story Text: Lisbon commuters struggled to get to work on Thursday (October 4) as metro workers in the Portuguese capital began a five-hour strike.
    The city's metro services were closed between 0400gmt and 0900gmt, as workers protested against the privatisation of city transport and salary cuts.
    Commuters said the walkout was having a severe impact on those trying to get to work.
    "In some way, I agree with the strike because workers have their reasons, but it should not affect other people because we have our jobs and if I miss one day I will lose one day's pay," said Manuel Caeiro.
    The metro strike comes on top of a train drivers' strike, which is now in its fourth day. The Portuguese Train Drivers' Union began their walkout on Monday (October 1) and has lasted for two hours each day.
    The drivers are protesting against the revision of the labour code that has cut overtime pay and say they will begin a 24-hour strike on October 5, a national holiday.
    Commuter Bruno Sousa said he hoped the government would be able to resolve the crisis.
    "Yes it is harmful (the strike) in terms of money. People lose a day's pay, but let's see if this will solve the crisis, see if they (the government) are sensible and find a solution for crisis," he said, while waiting for a bus to take him to work.
    Portugal faces growing challenges as the previous political consensus behind the austerity programme was dented last month by the country's largest protest since the bailout, following a government plan to raise social security taxes.
    The government abandoned the plan after the protests but announced tax hikes as an alternative on Wednesday (October 3).
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